A-Bomb Dome

A-Bomb Dome - darkometer rating : 10 - The ruins of the former "Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall", gutted by the atomic bomb – ever since it has been THE landmark of Hiroshima , and one of the most iconic, most instantly recognizable structures in the world. For dark tourism it's something like the Eiffel Tower. At the same time the site is a powerful symbol of Hiroshima's self-declared contemporary role as a "Mecca for peace". > More background info > What there is to see > Location > Access and costs > Time required > Combinations with other dark destinations > Combinations with non-dark destinations > Photos More background info: The Dome's original purpose was rather "profane" in comparison … it was the central part of a large 1915 building: the " Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall", where trade fairs and exhibitions were held. It was designed by Czech architect Jan Letzel in Secession style, and was one of the most solid edifices around. During WWII its original purpose grew almost to a halt and the building housed offices of the Ministry of the Interior. The hypocentre of the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima at 8:15 a.m. on 6 August 1945 was a mere 175 yards (150m) away. However, that also meant that the blast came mostly from directly above since the bomb detonated 2000 feet (600m) above ground. Thus parts of the solid wall structures remained standing, even though the entire interior, the roofs and all floors were completely destroyed – and everybody inside lost their lives in an instant. Most of the walls at the back of the building collapsed but the central tower-like structure with its dome remained an empty shell, albeit a more or less complete one. Because of the shape of the iron girder dome at the top, the ruins soon acquired the popular epithet "Genbaku Dome" – A-Bomb Dome.